If you follow me on social, then you know that we signed the kids up for the BMO 5Km Virtual race, and ourselves for the “Run Happy” 2 race combo to run with them. Which we recently completed as a family of 5 with some pretty significant age gaps. Many of you commented and DM’d with questions, so I thought a race review was in order.
Read on to see how we tackled our #Runhappy 5km making family fitness fun!
Before we get into the details I thought I would preface by explaining that the kids have been exposed to our passion for health and fitness throughout our relationship. Organically through hiking, paddle boarding, and just watching us make it a priority. More specifically through 5Km color Me Rad events, attending races to cheer, pre-event fitness expos, and of course the widely popular post half breakfast at IHop. Involving them in our passion and enthusiasm has always been natural, and how we like to spent time as a family.
Training
I would never recommend a 5-year-old specifically “trains” for something like a 5K. Indeed, my son didn’t do any real training. Both the older kids participated in some light run/walk training, but we weren’t looking to break records, or target a specific time. We were just looking to have fun and hopefully finish. If you keep that as your goal, then I believe almost any kid can get out there and run a 5K. (Any adult, too, for that matter.)
We mapped out a neighborhood route beforehand and decided on a comfortable 1 minute walk 1 minute run pace. we completed 5.22km in 42:55:8 with smiles and good spirits which was the biggest win for me.
How we kept Fitness fun:
- Set up an achievable run walking program
- Encourage don’t push.
- Let each child maintain their own pace and acted as the mediator
- Be encouraging and keep things light and fun
- Shower them with praise at the finish line.
There was a bit of complaining, but not as much as I expected, what I did not expect was the big sprint at the end, and the smiles and good spirits throughout.
I love that they embraced this event and our time together with a wholehearted effort and enthusiasm. I hope that this 5km leaves them with a sense of accomplishment, and personal prided. Plus a few fond memories of our Family making Fitness Fun.
